Why Physical Therapy Is Important For Boxing

In boxing and kickboxing, there is no doubt that you train hard. A consistent exercise routine will not only make you stronger and more toned, but also a better athlete. However, all of that hard work and sweat comes at a price, and your body takes a toll. Learning how to properly recover and take care of yourself is a must for your health and long-term success in combat sports training and fitness.

In this article, we discuss what physical therapy is, what it can do for you, and why the FightCamp Trainers love it.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy (PT) is a form of non-invasive treatment with the goal of improving movement and alignment in the body, often to help provide pain management. The most modern recording was during the 19th century in Europe with the use of massage and manual muscle therapy. PT came to prominence during the early 20th century in the U.S. when treatments were used to help polio patients strengthen their muscles to help combat the disease.

Fast forward to today, and physical therapy is as common as seeing a doctor for a yearly physical. Over the years, the techniques, forms, tools, and equipment have come a long way. Many people can perform some type of physical therapy on themselves to help and alleviate pain without having to visit a physical therapist’s office.

PT Benefits & Reasons To Love It

There are a lot of practical reasons to add physical therapy to your workout and recovery routines in order to become the best version of yourself. Here are four (4) of the top reasons why physical therapy is important and why you should start PT today.

Pain Management

Whether it’s through the use of deep tissue massage, cupping, acupuncture, or body re-adjustment, PT is a great way to help manage pain.

Improved Range of Motion

As we age, we tend to become overly tight in certain muscle groups which will ultimately reduce our range of motion. Boxing physical therapy does an excellent job of restoring joints to their optimal flexibility and range of motion so that boxers can continue to train.

Improved Balance and Coordination

During the aging process, muscles tend to lose strength and pliability, leading to poor postural control, and an increased propensity for slips and falls. PT can help improve posture, resulting in better overall balance and coordination.

Enhanced Recovery

Ultimately, everything mentioned above enhances your body’s ability to recover more quickly from strenuous exercise programming and training.

Still not convinced? Check out what our FightCamp Trainers think about PT.

Why FightCamp Trainers Believe Physical Therapy is Important

We’ve shared with you the different types of PT recovery techniques as well as the different tools that the FightCamp Trainers love. Now, let's look at their favorite aspects of physical therapy.

Aaron Swenson

“My favorite thing about PT is the relaxation that comes with it.”

One of the best reasons why an estimated 330 million go to PT on a yearly basis is the relaxation that it provides. While getting a deep tissue massage has amazing benefits for athletic purposes, who doesn't like going just to get their zen on?

PJ Shirdan

“Favorite thing about PT is seeing progress, seeing weaknesses become strengths, and athletes getting back to the game they love.”

Being able to incorporate different PT protocols, as well as using strength and conditioning, is not only beneficial but also crucial for proper and efficient rehab, especially from injury.

Jess Evans

“My favorite thing is the sense of relief I feel afterwards. We use our bodies so much it feels good to break down all of the tension and feel a difference in range of motion.”

One of the main reasons that many people do PT on a consistent basis is the benefit it can have on restoring range of motion. Whether that is from aging, a sedentary lifestyle, or other factors, the majority of people lose that ability over their lifetime, and doing PT can help restore and improve their range of motion.

Flo Master

“My favorite thing is learning about my body.”

In terms of PT, those that perform certain types, like physical therapists, are experts in their fields on how the body moves, better known as kinesiology. Going to see a physical therapist can ultimately lead to better self-knowledge of your body. Over time, you get a better understanding why it acts and moves the way it does.

Shanie Smash

“My favorite thing about PT is the relief and ability to recover so I can train more!”

Seeing a specialist in PT can help you restore movement, relieve pain, improve mobility and flexibility, recover from surgery, and when done consistently, can prevent injury. Physical therapy and recovery ultimately go hand in hand - recover hard, so you can train just as hard!

Workout. Recover. Repeat.

With all of the benefits of adding PT into your training, it almost is a no-brainer. The best part about PT nowadays, is you don’t even have to leave home to reap its rewards. Doing PT doesn't just have to mean seeing a chiropractor. Engaging in activities like yoga, stretching, epsom salt baths, contrast showers, and foam rolling can be done right at home (just like your boxing and kickboxing training!).

Train Like a Fighter

Are you ready to train (and recover) like a fighter? Get access to hundreds of boxing, kickboxing, strength, conditioning, recovery, and stretching workouts that will push you mentally and physically. Download the FREE FightCamp App and train with real fighters wherever you are.